Cleland named to UHHS medical post

Effective Jan. 1, Dr. William Cleland, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, will become chief medical officer for University Hospitals and Health System.

In this new position, Cleland will work with David Putt, UHHS interim CEO, to facilitate hospital initiatives and serve as a liaison to the medical staff. He will remain as medical director for risk management until a replacement is named.

"I will be a conduit for information between the CEO and the medical staff," he said. "Most other institutions of this type already have someone who functions in this role."

Cleland also will work closely with Janet Harris, chief nursing officer, and Dr. Michael Baumann, chief quality officer. Putt said he looks forward to Cleland joining the group.

"With his experience in risk management and his commitment to quality, he will help us move our clinical enterprise forward," he said.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Cleland completed an internship and residency at the Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He joined the Medical Center in 2003.

As chief medical officer, Cleland's focus will be on improving customer service, enhancing patient safety and quality and examining hospital efficiency. At a time of reduced government reimbursements for health care, Cleland said it's important to take a closer look at the delivery system.

"We have to improve our efficiency without neglecting our primary responsibility of delivering quality health care," he said.